With the nights drawing in and the weather getting colder, six in ten Brits feel they need a boost of positivity (61%), with three quarters of the nation (75%) feeling their mood is affected by the shorter and chillier days of Autumn and Winter. As a result, two fifths have said they feel lonelier in the colder months (42%) as the drop in temperature makes it much harder to interact with people (38%). A third of Brits state that people smile less during the colder months (33%) – yet a smile goes a longer way when it is dreary outside (33%).
In fact, the value of a smile is at such an all-time high that it is worth more to the nation than receiving a gift (28%) and getting praise at work (26%). The research, conducted by biscuit brand Belvita, found that receiving a smile from someone brightens the nation’s day (76%) and makes them feel happier (52%).
The research also found that two thirds admit that the impact of a smile from a stranger equates to the feeling of receiving up to 3 compliments in one day (64%). Six in ten respondents said a simple smile can make them feel more confident (63%) and a third (36%) stated receiving a smile inspires them to do something nice for someone. As a result of the humble smile, Brits feel empowered to pass the positivity onto their friends (57%), family (55%) and even strangers (23%).
